Queen Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the nation’s figurehead and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” the new king, her eldest son Charles, said.
Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace, in central London, and there was a stunned silence when the flag was lowered to half-mast. Around the world praise for a unique Queen swelled.
“Thank you Ma’am, for everything.” – Paddington Bear
A friend to everyone, Paddington Bear was a big fan of the Queen.
The pair recently shared tea and a sandwich to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, much to her great-grand children and fan’s delight.
Thank you Ma’am, for everything.
— Paddington (@paddingtonbear) September 8, 2022
“She meant a great deal to us” – The Obamas
“She listened deeply, thought strategically, and was responsible for considerable diplomatic achievements,” Former US President Barack Obama wrote in a statement released on Thursday. “And yet, she wore her lofty titles with a light touch—as willing to act in a comic sketch for the London Olympics as she was to record steadying messages for the people of the UK during the COVID-19 lockdowns.”
Former President Barack Obama and the Queen first met in April 2009 at a reception for leaders attending the Group of 20 nations summit in London. The Queen then invited Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for a state visit in 2011.
The Queen then invited Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for a state visit in 2011.
“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us,” the Obamas said in a statement.
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day” – Elton John
Elton John, who was knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to music and philanthropic work in 1998, wrote on Instagram “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around, and lead the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency, and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day,” the Elton John tweeted after her death. “I will miss her dearly.”
Tributes and praise for the Queen continue to flow
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.” Queen Elizabeth II had her first official visit to France in 1948, when as a 22-year-old Princess Elizabeth she was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip. The princess endeared herself to the French giving her first speech in impeccable French.
American singer and songwriter Stevie Nicks wrote on Instagram “She knew when to get in the way – and she knew when to get out of the way – to think – about what she would do next. She was very smart – and very beautiful – and she made it very clear to all the brilliant men that surrounded her – that she was the Queen – and they were not. She showed all women how strong they could be – for 70 years she did this. She inspired me. She was anointed Queen, a beautiful Queen and an unforgettable woman – The world is an empty place without her”.
The Queen met Barbra Streisand at the premiere of Funny Lady (the sequel to her hit movie Funny Girl) in 1975. Streisand famously asked the Queen: “Your Majesty, why is it that women have to wear white gloves to meet you and men don’t?” The Queen didn’t know and replied, “I’ll have to think about that one. I suppose it’s tradition.” Streisand wrote on her passing, “She was a constant for us all. Respected around the world. May she rest in peace.”
“She’s an incredible woman,” said Bono on meeting the Queen in 2012. “Her stamina is unbelievable.” Bono was appointed by the Queen as an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, or KBE for short, in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work.
Actress Helen Mirren was also a great admirer of Queen Elizabeth ii saying “I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman who, crown or no crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
